Tag: pubmed

World J Mens Health. 2022 Jan 27. doi: 10.5534/wjmh.210138. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To predict the probability of azoospermia without a semen analysis in men presenting with infertility by developing an azoospermia prediction model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two predictive algorithms were generated, one with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) as the only input and another logistic regression (LR) model with additional clinical inputs of age, luteinizing hormone, total testosterone, and bilateral testis volume. Men presenting between 01/2016 and 03/2020 with semen analyses, testicular ochiodemetry, and serum gonadotropin measurements collected within 120 days were included. An azoospermia prediction model was developed with multi-institutional two-fold external validation from tertiary urologic infertility clinics in Chicago, Miami, and Milan.

RESULTS: Total 3,497 participants were included (n=Miami 946, Milan 1,955, Chicago 596). Incidence of azoospermia in Miami, Milan, and Chicago was 13.8%, 23.8%, and 32.0%, respectively. Predictive algorithms were generated with Miami data. On Milan external validation, the LR and quadratic FSH models both demonstrated good discrimination with areas under the receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.79 and 0.78, respectively. Data from Chicago performed with AUCs of 0.71 for the FSH only model and 0.72 for LR. Correlation between the quadratic FSH model and LR model was 0.95 with Milan and 0.92 with Chicago data.

CONCLUSIONS: We present and validate algorithms to predict the probability of azoospermia. The ability to predict the probability of azoospermia without a semen analysis is useful when there are logistical hurdles in obtaining a semen analysis or for reevaluation prior to surgical sperm extraction.

PMID:35118840 | DOI:10.5534/wjmh.210138

World J Mens Health. 2022 Jan 25. doi: 10.5534/wjmh.210202. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study provides a comprehensive analysis of research trends on the etiology, mechanisms, potential risk factors, diagnosis, prognosis, surgical and non-surgical treatment of varicocele, and clinical outcomes before and after varicocele repair.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Varicocele studies published between 1988 and 2020 were retrieved from the Scopus database on April 5, 2021. Original studies on human varicocele were included, irrespective of language. Retrieved articles were manually screened for inclusion in various sub-categories. Bibliometric data was subjected to scientometric analysis using descriptive statistics. Network, heat and geographic mapping were generated using relevant software.

RESULTS: In total, 1,943 original human studies on varicocele were published. These were predominantly from the northern hemisphere and developed countries, and published in journals from the United States and Germany. Network map analysis for countries showed several interconnected nodal points, with the USA being the largest, and Agarwal A. from Cleveland Clinic, USA, being a center point of worldwide varicocele research collaborations. Studies of adolescents were underrepresented compared with studies of adults. Studies on diagnostic and prognostic aspects of varicocele were more numerous than studies on varicocele prevalence, mechanistic studies and studies focusing on etiological and risk factors. Varicocele surgery was more investigated than non-surgical approaches. To evaluate the impact of varicocele and its treatment, researchers mainly analyzed basic semen parameters, although markers of seminal oxidative stress are being increasingly investigated in the last decade, while reproductive outcomes such as live birth rate were under-reported in the literature.

CONCLUSIONS: This study analyzes the publication trends in original research on human varicocele spanning over the last three decades. Our analysis emphasizes areas for further exploration to better understand varicocele’s impact on men’s health and male fertility.

PMID:35118839 | DOI:10.5534/wjmh.210202

Am J Transplant. 2022 Feb 4. doi: 10.1111/ajt.16985. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Questions have arisen around new metrics for organ procurement organizations (OPO) due to the perception that low-performing OPOs may be limited by local centers’ acceptance of marginal organs. We reviewed 2013-2019 Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OTPN) and National Centers for Health Statistics (NCHS) data to explore the relationship between objectively measured OPO performance and utilization of deceased donor kidneys. We found that although donor recovery declined with rising age and kidney donor profile index (KDPI), OPO performance differences were evident within each age/KDPI group. By contrast, the number of discards per donor did not vary with OPO performance. Centers in donor service areas (DSAs) with lower-performing OPOs had higher local utilization and greater import of high-KDPI kidneys than did those with higher-performing OPOs. Lower rates of donor availability relative to waitlist additions may contribute to observed center acceptance behavior. Differences in center-level performance were highly visible in Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) organ acceptance metrics, while SRTR OPO metrics did not detect large or persistent variation in procurement performance. Cumulatively, our findings suggest that objective measures of procurement performance can inform discussions of organ utilization, allowing for alignment of metrics in all elements of the procurement-transplantation system.

PMID:35118830 | DOI:10.1111/ajt.16985

World J Mens Health. 2022 Jan 25. doi: 10.5534/wjmh.210048. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: As the concept of late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) has gained increased attention, the treatment of eugonadal patients with LOH symptom has become a clinical problem. Previous studies have shown the possible benefits of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) on the somatic, psychological and sexual functions. We therefore conducted this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to confirm the efficacy and safety of 5-ALA for LOH symptoms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two eugonadal subjects with LOH symptoms were randomly divided into a 5-ALA group (n=15) and a placebo group (n=17). Treatment was continued for 8 weeks. The change of the Aging Males’ Symptoms (AMS) scale score and several biochemical and endocrinological variables during treatment were compared between the groups.

RESULTS: After treatment, the change in the total AMS in the 5-ALA group was significantly greater than that in the placebo group (-7.4±4.7 vs. -4.9±4.9, p=0.029). However, the differences between the groups in the change of the somatic, psychological, and sexual sub-scores of the AMS did not reach the statistical significance, although these changes in the 5-ALA group were greater than those in the placebo group. Furthermore, the change in the biochemical and endocrinological variables in the two groups did not differ to a statistically significant extent. During the 8-week treatment period, no patients discontinued 5-ALA due to treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs).

CONCLUSIONS: The intake of 5-ALA for 8 weeks was beneficial for eugonadal patients with symptoms of LOH and no severe TEAEs was experienced. 5-ALA should be considered as an option for those patients.

PMID:35118837 | DOI:10.5534/wjmh.210048

Res Synth Methods. 2022 Feb 4. doi: 10.1002/jrsm.1550. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:35118805 | DOI:10.1002/jrsm.1550

Endocrinol Diabetes Metab. 2022 Feb 4:e00324. doi: 10.1002/edm2.324. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: To determine the impact of real-time continuous glucose monitoring (RT-CGM) in conjunction with ‘Open loop’- continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) as compared to conventional multiple daily injections (MDI) in type 1 diabetes.

METHODS: We explored the COCHRANE database, MEDLINE, WEB OF SCIENCE, GOOGLE SCHOLARS, PUBMED, EMBASE, and cited literature in articles retrieved (2010-2021) for all randomized controlled trials and real-world trials of more than 6 months duration in patients with type 1 diabetes that compared RT-CGM+CSII vs RT- CGM+MDI. A total of 1645 publications have been identified; however, only 3 trials fulfilled our inclusion criteria with a total number of 150 patients (72 patients using RT-CGM+CSII and 78 patients on RT-CGM+MDI). A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis were carried out.

RESULTS: No statistically significant reduction in HbA1c was found on comparing RT-CGM+CSII vs RT- CGM + MDI, with p-value = .75. Likewise, impact on TIR, weight and insulin usage was found to be statistically insignificant with p-value of 0.15, 0.75 and 0.20 respectively. There was an overall homogeneity between the 3 trials in respect to all previous variables with I² being 0%.

CONCLUSIONS: Real-time continuous glucose monitors in conjunction with MDI open-loop CSII had a similar impact on HbA1c, weight, insulin usage and TIR. In addition, RT-CGM when combined with CSII was associated with higher costs and reduced quality of life, hence RT- CGM+MDI can be considered as a cheaper, safer yet equivalent substitute.

REVIEW REGISTRATION: This study was registered in PROSPERO (International prospective register of systematic reviews). Registration Name: RT-CGM in conjunction with CSII vs MDI in optimizing glycaemic control in T1DM: a systematic review. Registration No: CRD42021255333. Accessible at: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021255333. Amendments: Few amendments to the above-mentioned registration were made: (1) Title (Meta-analysis was added). (2) Prof. Gleeson was added as an author. (3) Real-world trials were included. (4) Outcomes required in studies as per our inclusion criteria amended to include at least 1 outcome. (5) Bias risk was assessed by the CASP tool.

PMID:35118826 | DOI:10.1002/edm2.324

J Esthet Restor Dent. 2022 Feb 4. doi: 10.1111/jerd.12879. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To determine the color stability and microhardness of three bulk-fill composites with different polymerization characteristics, after immersion in four different solutions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Color measurements of three bulk fill (Viscalor (VIS), Tetric PowerFill (TPF), Fill Up! (FUP)) and a microhyrid composite resin (G-aenial posterior [GCP]) were performed after polymerization. The specimens were immersed in coffee, cola, red wine and distilled water. Discolorations were recorded after 24 h (T1), 10 days (T2) and 30 days (T3) of immersion. ΔE (CIEDE2000) values were calculated. Vickers microhardness (VHN) was measured from top and bottom surfaces at T0 and T3. Data was analyzed with Two-way ANOVA, One-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests.

RESULTS: The highest discoloration was seen in wine and the lowest in distilled water and cola. At T3, there was no difference in distilled water groups, while the statistically highest ΔE₀₀ were obtained in TPF and GCP in coffee, cola and wine. VIS groups had the highest VHN values at T0 and T3 in all solutions.

CONCLUSIONS: Samples immersed in coffee and wine showed discoloration beyond clinically acceptable limits. After 30 days, discoloration occurred in all materials immersed in all solutions. At T3, VIS microhardness generally decreased, while TPF did not.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: After 30 days, all bulk-fill composites immersed in distilled water, coffee and wine showed clinically unacceptable ΔE₀₀ .

PMID:35118802 | DOI:10.1111/jerd.12879

Water Environ Res. 2022 Jan 12;94(2):e10688. doi: 10.1002/wer.10688. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The ever-increasing need for access to safe water has meant that alternative water sources and innovative water reclamation approaches are often required to meet the global water demand. As a result, many wastewater treatment facilities have faced regulatory pressure to seek alternative disinfection methods that ensure public health safety, while adhering to regulations that set limits on carcinogenic disinfection by-products (DBPs). Peracetic acid (PAA) is an emerging wastewater disinfectant in the United States that has been widely used in other industries such as food sanitization and does not produce carcinogenic DBPs. However, several factors such as transport, storage, and physical and chemical effects have stymied its widespread use in wastewater markets. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the antimicrobial efficacy of an on-site generated PAA compared against a commercially available PAA. Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed using standard fecal contamination indicators (i.e., total coliforms and Escherichia coli) in six urban wastewater treatment facilities ranging in size and treatment processes. Overall, few statistical differences were found between the antimicrobial efficacies of on-site generated PAA and commercially available PAA; however, before becoming more widely utilized, the on-site PAA should be tested against emerging fecal contamination indicators (e.g., human norovirus and enterovirus) and be assessed in terms of economic and sustainability impacts. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Alternative Ct approaches should be considered when using disinfectants like PAA. On-site generated PAA can achieve the same level of disinfection as commercial PAA. On-site generation of PAA may help further its use as a wastewater disinfectant.

PMID:35118781 | DOI:10.1002/wer.10688

Br J Health Psychol. 2022 Feb 3. doi: 10.1111/bjhp.12584. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The psychological impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can be profound, leading to challenges with illness self-management. One such impact can be an identity discrepancy, where illness identity is rejected as part of the self. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between illness identity and self-management of IBD.

DESIGN: A mixed-methods approach was taken using an online survey with 167 participants living with IBD.

METHODS: The Illness Identity Questionnaire and Patient Activation Measure were utilized to ascertain the correlational relationship between illness identity and self-management, triangulated with a thematic analysis of two open-ended questions on this topic.

RESULTS: The results revealed a statistically significant relationship after controlling for possible confounders of age, illness duration, illness severity, and number of comorbidities. Positive illness identity types (acceptance and enrichment) had a moderate, positive correlation with self-management. Negative identity types (rejection and engulfment) had a weak, negative correlation. This was supported by three main themes found from a thematic analysis and provided further insight into this relationship. Theme 1: negotiating with self as a process of acceptance; Theme 2: resigned acceptance that protects sense of self; and Theme 3: Self-management expands from behavioural strategies to psychological processes through acceptance.

CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the more illness is accepted into a sense of self, the better an individual is able to self-manage IBD as more psychological resources are activated. These findings provide individuals and clinicians alike insight into utilizing identity change to improve the overall self-management of IBD.

PMID:35118770 | DOI:10.1111/bjhp.12584

J Prosthodont. 2022 Feb 3. doi: 10.1111/jopr.13488. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Pre-ceramic soldering of zirconia may deliver better fitting restorations. However, there is not sufficient evidence regarding the influence of pre-ceramic soldering of zirconia restorations on mechanical strength. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pre-ceramic soldering on the fracture load of 4-unit zirconia fixed dental prostheses (FDPs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty samples of 4-unit FDPs between maxillary right first premolar and maxillary right second molar were prepared and two restorative materials were used as a framework (Z) and monolithic restoration (M). The samples were divided into two subgroups as control (C) and study (S). The restorations of study groups (S) were divided into two pieces and soldered with a bonding material (DCM HotBond Zirkon). The groups were divided into two subgroups for thermal cycle (T) application. After soldering and thermal cycling application, 4-point bending test was applied to the samples at a cross-head speed of 1 mm/min in a universal testing machine and the fracture load was recorded. The data was analyzed statistically, and the level of significance was set at α = .001.

RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found among the groups, based on the results of maximum failure loads (p<0.001). The highest mean failure load was observed in the ZCT(-) group (1094.1 +139.77 N), while the lowest mean failure load was obtained in the ZST(+) group (627.7 +82.14 N). No significant difference was found among the groups MC and MS, MC and ZC groups (p>.001). Thermal aging application caused lower fracture resistance in control and soldering groups (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: The pre-ceramic soldering applications affected zirconia group negatively. However, the values were above the clinically acceptable static load bearing capacity for posterior teeth. Soldering did not cause a statistically significant difference for the fracture strengths of monolithic zirconia groups. Thermal cycling affected the fracture strength of zirconia and monolithic zirconia restorations negatively. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:35118772 | DOI:10.1111/jopr.13488